Tag: soldiers

George C. Scott’s Oscar winning turn as controversial military commander, General George S. Patton is my next stop as I explore the recommendations from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Movie book following my screening of Saving Private Ryan. Based on a history of Patton as well as Omar Bradley’s (portrayed by Karl Malden…

The conclusion to the Monk Trilogy is our first episode this week. Written by Toby Whithouse, the episode first aired on 3 June, 2017. The Monks have changed history, having assumed control of Earth when power of consent was given by Bill (Pearl Mackie) at the conclusion of last week’s episode, when she had them…

Releasing on blu-ray and DVD today from Warner Brothers is the film adaptation of the true story as retold in the novel Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton. The day after 11 September, 2001, a group of soldiers volunteered to be the first on the ground in Afghanistan. The film tells that story, and of the…

Walking away with Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Sound, Platoon is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film following my screening of Apocalypse Now. The film serves as a commentary on the horrors of war, even as two sergeants seem to be fighting for the…

My journey through the iconic television series, The Twilight Zone, continues this week as I delve into another three episodes of The Complete Series on blu-ray, available now from Paramount Pictures. First up is The Old Man in the Cave. This episode had a broadcast date of 8 November, 1963, and was written by series…

House of Anansi press has released an updated version of Deborah Ellis’ poignant and beautifully written tale, The Breadwinner. Aimed at younger readers, the book puts a face to stories that help the reader empathise and understand some of the issues that are taking place in Afghanistan. Canadian born Ellis has crafted a whole series, with…

Captain’s log: stardate 43489.2 Airing on 8 January, 1990, this episode featured the first appearance of James Cromwell in the Trek universe. Here he plays Prime Minister Nayrok in an episode written by Robin Bernheim. An escaped prisoner, Danar (Jeff McCarthy) gives Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the Enterprise a run for its money after he…

The Poison Sky is the conclusion to last week’s cliffhanger. Written by Helen Raynor this episode first aired on 3 May, 2008. The Doctor (Tennant) and Donna (Catherine Tate) save Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) from hit ATMOS car, and our heroes plunge into a full-on confrontation with the Sontarans and their errand boy, Luke (Ryan Sampson)….

The next stop in the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Lawrence of Arabia is the epic, Zulu starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker. Now, while one could make arguments about themes of British Imperialism and Colonialism running through the film, I saw more fit to see the film…

I plunge back into World War I with the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my viewing of All Quiet On The Western Front. This silent film is very engaging, telling the story of an idle rich lad, James Apperson (John Gilbert), who, when caught up in the…

It’s December and Showcase has conspired to give Sue and I an early Christmas gift. We’ve been invited to the set of one of my favorite shows of the year, Defiance. We’ve been asked to come out, have a look around and chat with some of the cast. (Sadly, we weren’t permitted to take pics…